PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 3970E, A FINE FOURTH SERIES YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH

CASE NUMBER: 2’945’283; MOVEMENT NUMBER: 3’045’150

Details

CIRCA: 1996
CASE MATERIAL: 18k yellow gold
DIAMETER: 36 mm.
STRAP MATERIAL: Brown leather strap
DIAL: Silvered
MOVEMENT: Cal. 27-70 Q, manual-winding, 24 jewels, Hallmark of Geneva
FUNCTIONS: Time, perpetual calendar, chronograph, leap year indicator, 24-hour indicator
BUCKLE: Patek Philippe 18k yellow gold pin buckle
WITH: Certificate of Origin dated March 22, 1996; additional sapphire crystal caseback, corrector pin, product literature and leather folder, presentation box


Lot Essay

The Patek Philippe reference 3970 perpetual calendar chronograph is considered a modern classic. The reference 3970 was launched in 1986 to replace the reference 2499. The 3970 features a Lemania-based movement rather than a Valjoux movement. This particular example has a case made of 18k yellow gold and a silvered dial with applied baton hour markers.
As part of the fourth series of 3970s (1994-2004), this watch was made in 1996. Reference 3970 continues to gain new followers and fans due to its classic proportions and clean look. It remains an important part of the distinguished legacy of Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronographs.